Storm Alex: Four killed as flash floods hit France and Italy

2020-10-05 15:31:56

At least four people have been killed and many more are reported missing after flash floods struck south-eastern France and north-western Italy. Dozens of houses were destroyed and entire roads were washed away in a mountainous border region near Nice. Coastal areas on the French Riviera were devastated, with long stretches of beaches littered with storm debris. Meanwhile, rescue workers stepped up their search efforts amid fears that up to 20 people were missing. Eight were formally reported as missing and another 12 were thought to be missing, officials said. Nice and its surrounding area saw almost a year's rainfall in less than 12 hours over the weekend. Storm Alex, which brought fierce winds and torrential rain, then moved into northern Italy where record rainfall has also been seen.